Late Night Talk

The debate on whether South Africa generating power through nuclear energy as an alternative to coal remains a contentious issue.

Earlier this year, National Treasury, said South Africa would not procure nuclear if it was unaffordable. However, Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, signed a R111 billion nuclear agreement with Russia to procure 9 600 MW of power by 2030.

Various organisations have taken the South African government to court over what they claim to be an unconstitutional procurement of the Nuclear Deal involving Russia.

702/Cape Town #FridayStandIn, Kumi Naidoo, hosted Philip Loyd and Dominique Doyle on their positions in favour or against nuclear in the country.

Listen to the conversation below:

Lloyd argued that Eskom is already inundated with meeting the demand for power, which he claims is contributing to the weakening economy.

We need to stop thinking about homes, and start thinking about industry and how we create jobs and power industry.

— Prof Philip Lloyd, energy expert

Doyle is against the procurement of nuclear, arguing that it would have devastating effects for the country's poor communities, especially once the waste needs to be disposed.

The cost of this project is going to be too costly for ordinary South Africans to afford, it will still chase industry away.